Interview with Jess Sepel on ‘The Healthy Life’

Hello Friends

I’m more interested in exploring healthy food stories now than ever, having just signed up for a (completely terrifying and exciting in equal measure) three year diploma in Clinical Nutrition (through the College of Naturopathic Medicine in the UK). I have researched and learnt so much about putting goodness into our bodies over the last few years, and am so passionate about food being a key for health, so I decided to make it more official and get stuck into learning as much as I can get my hands on. Wish me luck!

Anyway, as part of my new series interviewing influencers who are passionate about good food and good health (read my interview with Sarah Wilson of I Quit Sugar), I recently chatted to the very lovely Jess Sepel. Jess is the creator of the uber successful Aussie healthy eating and lifestyle blog, and nutritional consulting brand JS Health, as well as the author of the beautiful new book ‘The Healthy Life’. Below is what Jess had to say about everything from her healthy eating inspirations to what she thinks of the Kardashians.

 

When did you know that healthy food was the only way that you wanted to eat? Was there a pivotal moment in your food journey?
 
After years of being a chronic fad dieter – I went on to study health and nutrition at uni. It was my studies that prompted me to change my diet and lifestyle. I would take the information that I was learning and slowly implement it into my life. I slowly transitioned from a fad dieter to a mindful whole food eater. The results were incredible. My skin started to clear, my energy increased, my weight balanced out and I had never felt better. It encouraged me to keep delving deeper into this world of health.

When did you realise that sharing tips and advice on healthy eating and living well was what you wanted to make a career out of?


Probably when I released a very casual e-book (The Clean Life) and saw how many people bought and loved it. It became their bible. I think that’s when I knew – this had the potential to become a full time career.

Advice for young people in the food industry, or just young entrepreneurs in general?


Don’t be afraid to go for it. Dream big. I am started to feel and realise – there really are no limits. Usually we are the only ones who stop ourselves from achieving great things because we doubt ourselves. Don’t doubt or compare yourself to anyone in your industry. Look ahead, not behind. Be true to your story. Be willing to be vulnerable. You have to be willing to share your story. You have to have a message that will resonate.

Advice for keeping a good work-life balance?

I set up boundaries. Boundaries with emails/social media and I am getting good at saying NO to people who I need to.

Three ingredients that you couldn’t live without?

Garlic, olive oil, greens (herbs and spices)

Your advice on ‘where to start’ for people who know they want to eat more healthily but are totally overwhelmed?

One small change a week. The body will respond amazingly. Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to make every change  – it will backfire. Start with committing to a whole food diet – give up processed food today.

What’s next for you in your food journey?

I just finished creating amazing recipes for book 2. I am now in the process of creating food product and a vitamin.


Which other healthy foodies have inspired you the most?

Adore Dr Libby Weaver.
Jamie Oliver


If you could cook a meal for any 4 people, who would they be?

Oprah
Beyonce
Kardashian family – any member. I love them – shamelessly.
My late uncle, Louie who I never met

You’ve been doing a lot of traveling to promote your beautiful new book (congratulations by the way, it’s amazing) – have you noticed any significant differences or similarities about the places you’ve been and their attitude to eating healthy?

South Africa is amazing!! I find them to be so excited about the healthy life! I am so impressed! I have noticed that everyone wants to embrace a healthier life but can find it to be too overwhelming and time consuming – so my goal is to simplify things and make healthy food quick and easy 🙂

Your three favourite recipes from the book?

The Japanese Salmon
The Cauliflower rice/mash
The choc tahini brownies/choc tarts – yummmm.